pain in thumb joint, inner elbow

by Deb
(Hot Springs, AR)

From the items I've read, sounds like I need to see a chiropractor. I've had the pain in my inner elbow since 1-I tried to give platelet donation and was unsuccessful because there was hardly anything being collected, they redid the needle a couple times and then I started to pass out. I wonder if they nicked or went through the nerve there. 2-soon after I started a new job, where I had to lift.

Now I've quit the job. Gone to a neurologist for numbness, tingling and pain. His diagnosis was moderate carpal tunnel in the RIGHT arm, ok, but my LEFT arm was the main concern for me! When I hold a cup of coffee in my left hand it hurts to straighten my arm. Any lifting I was doing was hurting in that area (inner elbow) So, do I go back to him for more tests on the left arm? I want to do the right thing and not play around with this.

My left thumb joint really hurts, and have pain in middle finger and sometimes the ring and pinky, and when I rub it sometimes I hit my palm and it's like an electric shock.

I also have aggravating, not severe, pains in my left achilles heel, second toe.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Deb
Hot Springs, Ark

Hello Deb,

It sounds to me that there are different things going on here.

Firstly, it's most unlikely they nicked the nerve when searching for a vein. The median nerve is on the inner side, and the ulnar nerve at the back of the elbow. The radial nerve possibly, but really I think unlikely.

So, what is happening? The fact that lifting a mug and straightening your arm sounds far more like an injury to a tendon, perhaps the insertion of the biceps. It is just possible that they injured the tendon. Did you arm go purple?

However, there is obviously an involvement in the hand too. Does pressing on your thumb, or the other fingers hurt? It could be a local problem. That electric shock when you press on your palm does sound neurological though. A possible Tinel sign.

You mention no neck pain, so that does not seem to be involved, though it may be, and an examination of your neck is also indicated.

I would look for a chiropractor who does ART or a sports orientated chiro. One with a FICS qualification. Phone your local chiropractic association, and ask who has these qualifications.

I hope this has contributed.

Oh, and certainly inform the blood transfusion service. They probably have insurance to cover this sort of eventuality.